Implant dentures insert an implant-supported denture into your jawbone and provide you with a permanent, comfortable alternative to traditional dentures. At Dillon Family Dentistry, Dr. David Dillon provides patients with implant-supported dentures, which will restore their smile by lowering the risk of bone loss, helping improve chewing function, and providing long-lasting support.
If you’re considering your options for replacing missing teeth in Bryn Mawr, chances are you have come across dental implants, which are also known as snap-on or implant-supported dentures. As someone who has been providing dental services on the main line for many years, I have seen how this innovative treatment can change patients’ lives right from Bryn Mawr College all the way down to the train station area and back to Wayne, Villanova, and Radnor.
The question I get asked most frequently at my practice located at 1084 East Lancaster Ave is “Are dental implants worth the cost?” I will help you find out everything you want to know, from actual benefits and costs to differences between this type of solution compared to traditional full or partial removable dentures, so that you can make an informed decision about what option will work best for your smile as well as the rest of your life.
What Exactly Are Implant Dentures?
An implant denture is a hybrid solution; it is a combination of two different things. Regular dentures rest on the gums, but implant dentures are securely held in place by titanium posts that we place surgically into the jawbone. The posts serve as tooth roots, creating a stable base for the dentures (therefore, they are called snap-in dentures).
Here at Dillon Family Dentistry, we work closely with trusted oral surgeons in Bryn Mawr to ensure you receive the highest quality dental implants and denture work. The process typically involves placing 4-6 implants per arch (top or bottom), which then support your custom-fitted denture.
The Real Benefits of Implant Dentures
Let’s talk about what actually matters: how implant dentures will improve your daily life. Based on decades of experience treating patients right here on Lancaster Avenue, these are the benefits I see making the biggest difference:
1. Rock-Solid Stability You Can Trust
Do you remember having to worry about your dentures slipping out when you were eating at a busy restaurant on a Sunday afternoon or talking to somebody at Harriton House? That type of worry can be put to bed because implant-supported dentures are securely attached to your jawbone, so you will not experience any embarrassing slips, don’t have to use adhesive for your dentures, and will not have to adjust your smile during conversations.
2. Actually Enjoy Your Food Again
Conventional dental prosthesis returns around a fourth to a third of your functional capability. Implant-supported prostheses can return about two-thirds to three-quarters of your functional ability. You’ll again feel confident biting into a fresh, crunchy apple bought at the Farmer’s Market in Bryn Mawr! Also, you will not need to worry about your inability (if any) to chew a steak at Cornerstone Grill in Gladwyne.
3. Preserve Your Jawbone and Facial Structure
Most people do not realize that this is one of the biggest advantages for them; however, I think it might be the most important to you. Once you lose your tooth or teeth, the bone that supports your teeth starts to break down due to a lack of stimulation. Your jawbone is used to being stimulated by your tooth roots, and once they are gone, the bone will begin to deteriorate. Over time, this will cause the “sunken” look in your face and cause premature aging because of how your face looks.
Dental implants will provide stimulation of the jawbone in the same way your original teeth would provide stimulation for your jawbone. As a result of receiving stimulation from dental implants, your jawbone will continue to maintain its natural shape and prevent you from needing to have your dentures adjusted (or replaced) multiple times because of the bone’s continual loss.
4. Natural Look and Feel
Custom-designed by top laboratories that specialize in creating teeth, modern implant-supported dentures are made to match your natural smile. Each patient has individual facial characteristics, and those will be matched with your denture design. No one will be able to tell you have a denture unless they see you in the mirror or you let them know you have one.
5. A Long-Term Investment in Your Health
Although the initial investment for implant dentures will be greater than a complete denture, once you consider the longevity of dental implants (with appropriate care), the total cost of your dental implants can be significantly less than traditional dentures over a very similar 20-year lifespan. Traditional full or partial dentures need to be refitted, adjusted, and eventually replaced about every 5 to 10 years. Therefore, when you’re comparing your costs for traditional dentures to implant tooth replacement for 20 years, traditional denture wearers may spend significantly more money on their traditional denture service than an implant wearer does.
Implant Dentures Cost: What Bryn Mawr Patients Should Expect
Let’s address the elephant in the room: cost. I believe in complete transparency because you deserve to make an informed decision.
Traditional Dentures: The Hidden Costs
Traditional dentures typically cost between $1,500-$3,000 per arch in the Bryn Mawr area. That seems affordable upfront, but here’s what most patients don’t realize:
- Denture adhesives: $10-20/month ongoing
- Relines every 1-2 years: $300-500 each time
- Complete replacement every 5-7 years: $1,500-$3,000
- Potential bone grafting later: $2,000-$4,000 (if bone loss becomes severe)
Over 20 years, you could easily spend $12,000-$20,000 on traditional dentures.
Implant-Supported Dentures: The Investment
Full mouth dental implants with dentures typically range from $20,000-$35,000 for both arches in Bryn Mawr, depending on several factors:
- Number of implants needed (typically 4-6 per arch)
- Bone grafting requirements (if any)
- Type of denture material selected
- Complexity of your case
Important: Many patients qualify for dental financing options that make treatment more manageable. We work with several healthcare credit companies to create payment plans that fit your budget.
Don’t Just Read About It—Discover a Healthier Smile Today!
Take control of your oral health at Dillon Family Dentistry. Book an appointment today!
Implant Dentures vs Traditional Dentures: The Honest Comparison
As your Bryn Mawr dentist, I’ve fitted hundreds of patients with both types of dentures. Here’s the straight truth about how they compare:
Stability: Implant dentures win hands-down. Traditional dentures slip, especially the lower denture. Implant-supported dentures never move.
Comfort: Traditional dentures can cause sore spots and pressure points. Implant dentures eliminate these issues because they don’t rest directly on your gums.
Eating ability: No contest, implant dentures restore 2-3 times more chewing power than traditional dentures.
Maintenance: Implant dentures require regular dental cleanings and checkups, but no relining or constant adjustments like traditional dentures need.
Bone preservation: Only implant dentures prevent jawbone deterioration. Traditional dentures actually accelerate bone loss.
Lifespan: Implants can last a lifetime. Traditional dentures need replacement every 5-10 years.
All-on-4 Dental Implants: A Popular Option for Bryn Mawr Patients
If you’ve been following dental procedures, you may already know about All-on-4, which is a way to place four implants to support an entire arch of teeth. This technique has become a popular procedure in our practice due to:
- Fewer implants lead to a lower total cost
- It typically eliminates the need for grafting bone
- There is a quicker turnaround time on treatment
- Many patients will receive their temporary teeth the same day their implants are placed
The typical cost of All-on-4 implants is between $20,000-$30,000 per arch in the Bryn Mawr area. While this is a major investment, it will give you the function of full teeth and provide you with self-assurance.
Who Should Consider Implant Dentures in Bryn Mawr?
Implant-supported dentures aren’t for everyone, but they’re ideal if you:
- Are frustrated with loose or uncomfortable traditional dentures
- Want to eat all your favorite foods without worry
- Are you missing most or all of your teeth
- Want a permanent solution that won’t need frequent adjustments
- Are in good overall health and have adequate bone density (or are willing to undergo bone grafting)
- Value long-term results over low upfront cost
The best way to know if you’re a candidate? Schedule a consultation at our Bryn Mawr office. I’ll evaluate your bone structure and oral health, and discuss whether implant dentures are the right fit for your unique situation.
How Long Do Implant Dentures Last?
Here’s how I like to explain dental implants to my patients: When implanted in the jawbone, titanium dental implants will last a lifetime (often 30, 40, or even more than 50 years) if they are properly maintained. After 10-15 years, the denture part (which attaches to the dental implants) will need to be replaced. However, replacing this component will only requ